Identifying difference

As we have learned, identity politics has contributed in important ways to improving the lives of a large number of people, and particularly those of women and minority groups. However, there are some issues with the movement that threaten to allow oppression to sneak in once again through the back door.

In this video I will outline two key points of criticism that can be levelled against identity politics, ignorance of which might lead to precisely the problems activists wish to resist.

Connolly, W.E. (2002) Identity, Difference: Democratic Negotiations of Political Paradox. University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis and London.